Local residents cheer on Red Sox at Boston rally

BOSTON - After seeing their beloved team finally finish atop the division standings for the first time since 1995, Red Sox fans were ready to party.

By Paul Crocetti/Daily News staff

Milford Daily News

By Paul Crocetti/Daily News staff

Posted Oct. 2, 2007 at 12:01 AM
Updated Oct 2, 2007 at 2:03 AM

By Paul Crocetti/Daily News staff

Posted Oct. 2, 2007 at 12:01 AM
Updated Oct 2, 2007 at 2:03 AM

Boston

» Social News

After seeing their beloved team finally finish atop the division standings for the first time since 1995, Red Sox fans were ready to party.

And at yesterday's "Rally Monday" on Boston's City Hall Plaza, they did with many coming from across the state and beyond to see players, live music and Sox highlights.

Several fans said they were there to show support for the team as the Sox start the playoff run, which officially begins tomorrow when Josh Beckett will take the mound against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.

If the Sox play the Yankees, previously the winners of nine straight division titles, in the next round, they should have no problem, said Andrew Limanek, of Uxbridge.

"Hell yeah, they've got that in the bag," said Limanek, 21. "They'll take 'em out."

Limanek pointed to Yankee closer Mariano Rivera's meltdown Friday, when he gave up three runs in the ninth to the Orioles, who eventually pulled it out, securing the division title for the Sox.

"That was hilarious," said Ryan Perry, 25, of Uxbridge.

Perry and Limanek both said they were also at the rally because of the Dropkick Murphys, a Boston band that has risen to national prominence.

The band ripped through six songs, including the Fenway Park classics "I'm Shipping Up to Boston" and "Tessie," which had the thousands in attendance singing along and pumping their fists high.

Domenic Mastro, of Franklin, said the music was a big pull for him as well.

"Dropkick Murphys were pretty friggin' good," said Mastro, 20.

Mastro said he was at Fenway last Friday night for the game and the ensuing celebration on the field after the Yankees lost.

"The second they put the Orioles game on (the big screen), I said, 'I'm staying here,' " Mastro said.

Mastro and the hundreds of other Red Sox fans who stuck around the ballpark were treated to a performance that was shown and spoken about several times at yesterday's rally that of closer Jonathan Papelbon doing an Irish jig as the Dropkick Murphys played on the loudspeaker.

"It was hilarious," said Brittany Redding, 17, of Attleboro.

Said Attleboro resident Briahna McKinley: "They deserved it."

Papelbon made an appearance at the festivities, apparently showing no regret for his dancing.

"If we win the World Series, I'll dance all night long," Papelbon said to a huge cheer from the faithful.

Manager Terry Francona seemed to enjoy Papelbon's performance.

"I'm very encouraged that the future of our organization rests on that man's shoulders," he said with a smile.

Before leaving the stage, Papelbon gave a prediction for the playoffs.

"We're gonna go out there and kick some ass," he said.

Page 2 of 2 - The Dropkick Murphys were not the only live act gracing the stage yesterday. The fans were treated to several performances, from Peter Tork of the Monkees to The Standells, who performed their 1960's hit "Dirty Water."

Most of the performers from the day came together for "Dirty Water," the song that is played after every Sox home win and had the crowd shouting out the refrain, "Boston you're my home."

Steve Lorusso, who played drums with performer Freddy "Boom Boom" Cannon, said he was also on stage for "Dirty Water" and the proceeding tune, Fenway staple "Sweet Caroline."

"It was a lot of fun," Lorusso said. "It was a big crowd. They were very excited."

Even Sox officials got into the act, as owner John Henry played guitar on "Dirty Water" and Executive Vice President Charles Steinberg strummed on Cannon's "Down at Fenway Park."

Colette O'Brien and Bob Pettus, of Woonsocket, R.I., were pumped about the rally and the playoff stretch.

So why are the Red Sox going to win it all this year?

"Because Curt Schilling's pitching!" said O'Brien.

O'Brien, 37, and Pettus, 40, said they travel a lot to see the Sox, including a recent trip down to Tampa Bay to see them play the Devil Rays.

"We had to come in and root them on," said Pettus, dressed in a Coco Crisp jersey over a Red Sox T-shirt.

Many of the dignitaries at the event praised the fans for their support and devotion.

The crowd was a sea of red and blue, with shirts ranging from rising star Jacoby Ellsbury to captain Jason Varitek. Even animals got into it, as one fan walked a dog wearing a Red Sox sweater.

"These fans make it so special," Ellsbury said onstage. "To play for an organization like this is unbelievable. I'm happy to be a part of it."

And the fans have high hopes.

"They've got the talent, they've just got to put it all together," said Ryan Iarussi, 18, of Marlborough.

Franklin resident Mastro said the bullpen and the batting will put the Red Sox over the top.

"They've definitely got what it takes. As long as we're ahead and they're not using Eric Gagne," Mastro said of what he called the only weak link in the bullpen. "The hitting is outrageous. They haven't had to depend on Manny Ramirez."

Mastro, like many in attendance, said the Sox will win the World Series.

The fans summed up their feelings with the last lines of "Tessie," the song that closed out the party yesterday: "Don't blame us if we ever doubt you, you know we couldn't live without you, Red Sox you are the only only only."